Communicate Inclusively

​The world is diverse and subsequently so are the organizations for which we work. Employers are viewing people who lack the ability to work and communicate with diverse groups as obsolete and not as value-adding employees. Communicating in a way that makes people feel included, rather than excluded, is not easy for everyone. It requires an understanding of our differences, a commitment to valuing everyone and appreciating individual uniqueness. The following strategies provide a good starting point to communicate inclusively. 

Address people the way they want to be addressed. We’ve all heard it, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.” However, is that really true? How about treating people the way they wish to be treated. All of us are different and expect to be treated with respect—but what does that really mean? For example, many Native Americans identify with their tribal background and may prefer being called Navaho or Sioux rather than Native American…and this is fine. Be sure not to judge a person’s preference but simply respect it. Also, keep in mind that different people within a group may want to be addressed differently. 

​Keep an open mind. People can view the same thing differently. Be open to the “different lens” through which other people view the world. Be willing to question your own assumptions and learn from the feedback you receive from others. Just because you see something one way doesn’t mean others see it the same.

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Listen actively. Active listening skills require practice over time. Often, we are so intent on getting our point across that we do not carefully listen to what people are saying and how they are saying it. Remember to focus on what people say, what people do not say, and body language.
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Check understanding. Instead of assuming that someone understands you, assume just the opposite. Ask questions that might pinpoint possible problems. “Is this clear?” “Do I need to explain further?” “Does that make sense?’

Think through what you are going to say before you say it. When you talk about others, do you refer to them by their race, ethnic background, social class, gender, or some other distinguishing characteristic? If so, ask yourself why. Why is it important that you mention that particular descriptor?

Avoid slang. Slang doesn’t translate across all generations or cultures and can be misinterpreted easily. Telling someone she has “sick” clothing could be interpreted as offensive even though to some millennial's, it can mean awesome or good. To an older colleague at work or to someone of a different culture, it might mean something quite different.

Use as many different styles of communication as possible. Vary your rate of speech. Use visual aids. Write something down or spell difficult words out if simply saying something does not seem to be working. Be open to the existence of different cultural norms and their impact on communication styles.

Do not assume that you can or should ignore differences. The problems lies in the value judgments we attach to individual or cultural differences, not in the differences themselves. For example, noticing someone’s accent does not make you prejudiced. Having negative thoughts about the accent and making assumptions or developing your own narrative based on little or no facts about the individual might.

Communicating inclusively is a diversity skill that we can learn, develop and refine throughout the course of our lives. As you become more conscious of diversity, the collection of peoples’ differences AND similarities, you will improve your ability to interact and communicate with different types of people successfully.  
 
Adapted from: Bucher, R.D. (2015). Diversity Consciousness: Opening Our Minds to People, Cultures, and Opportunities, 4th edition, Pearson.